Online Study Tips: Participating in Online Discussions

Posted on 11/8/2017

Taking online classes is a bit different than taking traditional in-person
classes. Taking a class on campus means there is often a discussion like
atmosphere where professors and students can share ideas and ask questions.
This process is a bit different with online learning, but there’s
still a chance to interact with your professors and fellow students.

Often times you will be given discussion questions or prompts to participate
in an online discussion. For example, you may be asked to read a chapter
in a book and then present your opinions on one or more questions posed
by your professor. Most often you’ll also be required to respond
to at least a couple of posts by your classmates in order to encourage
discussion and the exchange of ideas.

Sometimes students see these types of assignments as a waste of time, but
that certainly isn’t the case. Participating in online discussions
can help cement ideas that you came across in the readings. It can also
help you see if you understand the material in a similar way to your classmates.
Sometimes students will just basically agree with what their classmates
posted because they don’t want to be disagreeable.

In fact, you should use this as an opportunity to ask questions to help
everyone understand the material better. That’s not to say you should
start an argument or disagree just to be contrarian, but encouraging discussion
and critical thinking are what higher learning is all about. If you do
disagree with something a classmate says, do so in a respectful manner.
Remember that sometimes what you say online may be misunderstood, so write
in clear and complete sentences.

Take advantage of all the opportunities that come along with online learning
including participating in online discussions, being able to study from
wherever you want, and being able to manage your own time.